Heritage Days 2026 at the Catacombs of Paris: what’s on!

Heritage Days are waiting for you—even in the depths of Paris's catacombs. Find out what’s planned in the capital’s underground over the weekend of September 19–20, 2026.

Every year, enthusiasts and curious people eager to discover new things get together to make the most of the Journées du Patrimoine. This not-to-be-missed annual event is a real cultural bonanza. During this exceptional weekend, usually the third in September, you can enjoy a rich program of events, often free of charge, at the heart of our heritage treasures. Museums, castles and monuments, as well as private sites such as ministries and embassies, lend themselves to the game, offering a weekend of guided and self-guided tours, original events and workshops for young and old alike.

You can then set off to conquer the most unmissable spots or, conversely, embark on a quest for the city’s most secret monuments. For those in search of a mystery-filled escape, get ready to (re)discover the underbelly of Paris. During the 43rd edition of Journées du Patrimoine, the Catacombes will unveil a special program to be lived over the weekend of 19 and 20 September 2026. You’ll then have the chance to explore these ancient quarries where the remains of more than 6 million Parisians are stored.

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The 2026 Heritage Days program at Paris's catacombs

Guided tour in Napoleonic Era style
Guided tour "in Premier Empire mode"

Opened to the public on July 1, 1809, during the First Empire, the Catacombs of Paris offer visitors a timeless stroll through a macabre yet romantic setting. This tour invites you to follow the route in the company of a guide who seems to have stepped straight out of that era.
Participation conditions: Free | Registration required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Guided tour in Napoleonic-era style
Literary Tour: The Catacombs, on the page

This subterranean walk, punctuated with texts and historical testimonies, will bring the Catacombs back to life through the voices of eighteenth-century commentators.
Participation requirements: Free | Reservation required
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM